Abstract

World wide, diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem, which is the consequence of changing lifestyles, often accompanied by a lack of exercise and poor eating habits. Diabetic foot ulceration is a difficult to treat and cost-intensive complication. Consequently, infections occur very quickly. This is favoured by the reduced immune response of diabetic patients, as well as by neuropathy and ischemia. Pathogenic bacteria like S. aureus but also less virulent bacteria like Corynebacterium sp. are found as causative agents. The virulence strategies of the pathogens to infect and persist in bones are the subject of many research groups. The interplay of adequate antibiotic therapy and surgical treatment comprising debridement, revascularization and tissue reconstruction, is crucial for healing. The aim is to reduce the number of DFUs and the involved amputations.